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Immigration and Customs Enforcement has confirmed it has purchased a facility in Chester that will be converted into a detention center.
In a statement to News 12, ICE said the site will meet its “regular detention standards” and is part of expanded detention space in New York.
Federal officials say the additional capacity is aimed at targeting what the agency describes as “criminal illegal aliens,” including individuals convicted of homicide, rape, gang-related offenses and drug trafficking.
ICE says 70% of its arrests involve individuals charged with or convicted of crimes in the United States and that expanded detention space allows the agency to hold people pending removal proceedings.
ICE also released mug shots of several individuals arrested in New York as examples of the types of cases it says it is prioritizing.
Jose Armando Martinez, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and M.S.13 gang member, convicted of homicide and racketeering
Nicol Alexandra Contreras-Suarez, a criminal illegal alien from Colombia, convicted of stalking and rape of a minor.
Robert Savio Panton, a criminal illegal alien from Jamacia and Black Guerrilla Family gang member, convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
Hamidou Diallo, a criminal illegal alien from Mali, convicted of murder.
Alvin Henry, a criminal illegal alien from Trinidad and Tobago, convicted of statutory rape and strongarm rape.
The property at 29 Elizabeth Drive had previously been described as a proposed purchase. Federal officials have now confirmed the transaction is complete.
The move comes amid growing bipartisan opposition from Hudson Valley lawmakers, who have raised concerns about infrastructure, public safety and transparency. A joint letter was recently sent to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security opposing the project.
The confirmation also comes as protests and student walkouts tied to immigration enforcement have increased across the Hudson Valley. In recent weeks, rallies have been held in Orange and Rockland counties, and hundreds of Newburgh Free Academy students walked out of class in protest of ICE activity.
News 12 is continuing to seek reaction from local officials and activists and will have more on this developing story tonight at 5.